Mugs Up Drive In

08/13/2026

I know it’s hot but our employees are ready to make your dinner! Come on in. Don’t forget the black cow. Perfect on a day like today!

08/13/2026

One of our great customers gifted me with these original mugs. A small and baby mugs with the original logo. I was so excited that I forgot to get his name. Thank you so much for the awesome gift!

08/13/2026

Kim decided to spend her 70th Birthday with us! Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing and stopping to take photos! ❤️❤️❤️🎉🎂🍔

07/23/2026

Congratulations to all of our winners for the 70th Anniversary drawing. Below is a photo of our grand prize winner, Teri! Thank you to everyone that’s been coming in!

07/22/2026

Thank you for your kind words and support, Ennovation Center!

An Independence True Icon —Mugs-Up Drive— We congratulate you all on an incredible milestone: 70 years in business!

Since opening its doors in 1956, Mugs-Up has been serving generations of families with its famous frosty root beer, Zip Burgers, and timeless drive-in experience. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a cherished piece of our community’s history.

As a business incubator, we know just how remarkable this achievement is. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 35% of businesses survive 10+ years. While there isn’t an official government statistic for 70-year survival, business experts agree that only a tiny fraction—well under 1%—of businesses ever reach 70 years of continuous operation. That makes Mugs-Up part of an e-xceptionally rare group of American businesses that have stood the test of time through changing economies, consumer trends, and generations of customers.

Your longevity is a testament to hard work, delicious food and root beer, loyal customers, and a commitment to our community. You remind all entrepreneurs that while building a successful business is never easy, creating a lasting legacy is even more e-xtraordinary.

From all of us at the Ennovation Center, congratulations on 70 amazing years! Here’s to celebrating your past, enjoying the present, and wishing you continued success for many more years to come.

Happy 70th Anniversary, Mugs-Up! “An American Classic since 1956!”

07/18/2026

Some people have reached out regarding our t-shirts. They are 50% cotton/50% polyester. They have the feel of cotton. It is not stretchy material. I hope this helps!

07/17/2026

KCWE featured us in their Kansas City Origins segment. We appreciate all the attention!

07/15/2026

KCTV followed up with our story. Love it and so appreciative!

There used to be dozens of locations across the Midwest, now just two remain.

07/14/2026

KSHB channel 41 ran a story on us this morning! Thank you to them and to our amazing customers! We couldn’t be successful for 70 years without you!

Mugs Up Drive-In in Independence is celebrating 70 years with the same recipes, carhop service, and family ownership from the 1950s.

07/14/2026

KSHB ran a story on our 70th Anniversary this morning! Thank you for the great story and to all our customers that have made us so successful over the past 70 years!

"It's the nostalgia of the original zip burger and the homemade root beer that you just can't beat," said General Manager Denise Hosack.

KSHB 41's Claire Bradshaw shares more on the anniversary of Mugs Up Drive-In in Independence. ▼▼